China's Wang urges Middle East dialogue in meetings with Iranian, Saudi officials

On Monday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held separate meetings with Iranian and Saudi national security officials in Beijing. Wang stressed that all parties in the Middle East conflict should prioritize political solutions over resorting to arms again. China is actively promoting a greater diplomatic role in the Middle East.

Wang announced that his special envoy would visit Iran, Oman, and Saudi Arabia this month. During his discussions with Ali Bagheri Kani, deputy secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Wang emphasized that dialogue and negotiation are key to resolving regional conflicts, as stated by the Chinese state news agency Xinhua.

He also reiterated China’s support for Iran’s sovereignty and security. Following talks with Saudi Arabia’s national security adviser, Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, Wang stated that the regional situation has once again reached a critical crossroads between war and peace. Iran continues to engage in talks over ending the war, but no breakthroughs have been reported yet.

China expressed its hope that all parties can find a resolution through dialogue and negotiations, safeguarding the region’s energy and shipping lane security. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman conveyed a letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping, though it is unclear if the Iranian and Saudi officials had any interaction during their meetings in Beijing.

Earlier, Xi Jinping engaged in talks with Omani leader Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said, urging them not to let the Middle East and Gulf region become a battleground for great-power rivalry. In a joint statement, Sultan Haitham supported China’s peace proposals for the Middle East and expressed a desire for Beijing to assume a greater role in achieving lasting stability in the region.